The Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute
(CMI) and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
(ISRI) have announced the 2008 Used Beverage Container
(UBC) recycling rate which showed the highest recycling
rate of any beverage container at 54.2 percent.

“The aluminum can is a sustainable beverage package,”
said Kevin Anton, chairman of The Aluminum Association
and president, Alcoa Materials Management. “A can that
is recycled can be back on the store shelf in as little
as 60 days. Recycling conserves energy, saves resources
and minimizes consumer and production waste. We model
the benefits of recycling and will continue to promote
these benefits.”

Cans are infinitely recyclable. A recycled can requires
95 percent less energy, generates 95 percent less emissions
and creates 97 percent less water pollution than generating
new metal. Higher recycling rates ensure a steady supply
of high value recycled aluminum delivering incredible
value and benefits for all stakeholders.

The aluminum beverage can is 100 percent recyclable into
new beverage cans indefinitely — a demonstration of recycling
at its finest. The aluminum can is the only packaging
material that more than covers the cost of collection
and re-processing for itself. It also helps subsidize
the collection of other recyclable materials.